The United States marked 250 years of independence on Saturday with fireworks, parades, concerts and patriotic ceremonies across the country, but the historic milestone unfolded against a backdrop of political division and dangerous summer heat.
Millions of Americans gathered for events to commemorate the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, capping years of planning for what was intended to be one of the country’s biggest national celebrations.
Read alsO: over-100-american-companies-drive-jobs-investment-in-nigeria-as-us-marks-250th-independence-day
In Washington, DC, large crowds were expected on the National Mall for fireworks, military flyovers and a rally addressed by Donald Trump, United States president. In Philadelphia, the birthplace of American independence, thousands attended concerts and public celebrations, while New York welcomed tall ships from around the world. Performers including Christina Aguilera, Mary J Blige and the Smashing Pumpkins were also scheduled to headline anniversary concerts in major cities.
But the celebrations were overshadowed in many places by extreme weather. Temperatures climbed above 38 degrees Celsius across parts of the eastern United States, prompting health warnings from officials. Several outdoor events were cancelled, shortened or moved to later in the day as forecasters warned that thunderstorms and flash flooding could follow the intense heat.
